Graham Gano

The Panthers had the highest-scoring offense in the NFL last season, and their kicking game followed suit, as only the Patriots got more production from their kicker. In fact, Gano's 146 points was cl...

Gano tied for seventh in field-goal attempts last season, but an 82.9-percent conversion rate left him 13th in scoring. His accuracy from long distance continues to lag, as his 6-of-6 mark from at least 50 yards in 2013 is an outlier. Gano connected on just 10-of-15 kicks from more than 40 yards last year (1-of-3 from 50-plus). Carolina wasn't particularly good in the red zone, ranking 27th in touchdown efficiency at 46.8 percent, and while Gano took advantage of those opportunities (19-of-20 from inside 40 yards), he needs to improve his range for a fantasy bump.

2014

Gano entered last season on uncertain ground with the Panthers, but after hitting 88.9 percent of his field goals, he earned some long-term security with a four-year contract extension. Though he won’t have to fight for his job, Gano’s career conversion rate of 78 percent raises the question of whether 2013 was a step forward or a fluke. His leg strength leaves little room for dispute, however, as he has a 59-yarder on his career resume and was 6-for-6 from over 50 yards last season. Even if Gano retains his newfound accuracy, he could still be headed for a noticeable downgrade in PATs after the Panthers lost several key offensive personnel in the offseason.

2013

After the Panthers received unsatisfactory kicking from Justin Medlock, Gano was signed in Week 12, turning in healthy numbers when Cam Newton and the offense took off late in the season. While the PATs should continue to trickle in nicely, Gano’s historically poor accuracy could capsize his value. Sitting at a 74.7 percent on field-goal attempts for his career (including an alarmingly bad 63.2 percent mark from 30-39 yards), Gano has yet to prove he can consistently make kicks from anywhere on the field.

2012

Gano has a very powerful leg but has been inconsistent at times. He missed 10 field goals, five of which were blocked, however he was 4 of 5 from 50+ yards. He broke his back trying to make a tackle in the final game of 2012. He is healthy in training camp. He will compete with veteran Neil Rackers for the place kicking job. If he wins the job expect him to be on a very short leash in 2012.

2011

Gano finished 2010 as the league's most inaccurate kicker, making only 24-of-35 attempts (68.6 percent) and missing five kicks of less than 40 yards. As a result, Gano faces a training camp battle with Shayne Graham. Even if Gano keeps the job, his prospects for 2011 aren't bright. The Redskins have major issues at quarterback, as Donovan McNabb was sent to Minnesota, leaving John Beck, Rex Grossman and Kellen Clemens to compete for the starting job. After they solve the QB issue, the Redskins then will have to fix an offense that has been one of the poorer scoring units in the league the last few seasons, averaging less than 21 points per game since 2007.

2010

Gano has made just four field goals in his
NFL career but goes into the season as the
Redskins starter. Donovan McNabb replaces
Jason Campbell at quarterback in one of the
many moves made by the Redskins in the
offseason. Head coach Jim Zorn was fired and
replaced by Mike Shanahan while the running
game could get a complete overhaul with the
addition of Larry Johnson, Willie Parker and
Ryan Torain. The Redskins kicking position put
up just 92 points last season, with the rookie
Gano taking over in Week 14. While there’s
room for optimism, the Redskins still lack playmakers
in the passing game, and the top three
running backs on the roster are all past their
prime. McNabb could make a difference in
Washington, but there are too many factors that
suggest it will be a minimal one for Gano.

2009

Gano won the Lou Groza Award his senior season at Florida State as the best kicker in college football. He'll compete with Steven Hauschka for field goal duties following the departure of Matt Stover.